Every year on December 3, the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote the rights, dignity and inclusion of people living with disabilities.
In 2025, the day is celebrated under the theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” a reminder that no society can truly develop if a significant portion of its population is left behind.
Globally, more than 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability. Many of them continue to face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment and public services.
For decades, disability was viewed through the lens of charity and sympathy, but today the conversation is shifting towards rights, empowerment and equal opportunity.
This year’s theme emphasizes that inclusion is not a favour but a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development.
In Kenya, efforts to support persons with disabilities have grown through laws such as the Persons with Disabilities Act and programs coordinated by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Access to assistive devices, education support and cash transfer programs has improved the lives of many households.
However, significant challenges still remain. Many public buildings and transport systems remain unfriendly to persons with physical disabilities, while stigma and discrimination continue to limit social participation, especially in rural areas.
Employment remains one of the biggest hurdles, with many qualified persons with disabilities struggling to secure decent work.
Limited access to inclusive education and skills training further deepens inequalities. As the country pushes forward with economic and social development, experts argue that disability inclusion must be mainstreamed in national planning, budgeting and service delivery.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a call to governments, institutions, communities and individuals to take practical steps toward inclusion.
This includes promoting accessible infrastructure, embracing assistive technology, using inclusive language and ensuring that policies translate into real change on the ground.
The media also plays a crucial role in reshaping attitudes by highlighting not just the challenges but also the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities.
As the world marks this day, the message is clear, societies that embrace inclusion are more just, innovative and resilient. Advancing social progress means ensuring that persons with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of development but active participants in shaping their own future.
By Leticia Afandi
